Article
Immunology
Kristina Zec, Barbora Schonfeldova, Zhichao Ai, Erinke Van Grinsven, Gabriela Pirgova, Hayley L. Eames, Dorothee L. Berthold, Moustafa Attar, Ewoud B. Compeer, Tal I. Arnon, Irina A. Udalova
Summary: Using the AIA model, Zec et al. demonstrate that synovial lining macrophages are activated by IRF5 and secrete CXCL1 upon antigen recognition, leading to preferential recruitment of neutrophils in the synovial lining niche at the onset of inflammation. This study utilizes advanced microscopy techniques to reveal that synovial inflammation is initiated by the activation of lining macrophages, challenging the previously held view of these cells as immunosuppressive. The findings highlight the importance of synovial macrophages in instigating synovial inflammation and recruiting immune cells.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Akshay Vyawahare, Ravi Prakash, Chandrashekhar Jori, Aneesh Ali, Syed Shadab Raza, Rehan Khan
Summary: The study found that the combination of 9AA and CA conjugated nanomicelles (9AA-NMs) can inhibit inflammation and alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint damage, bone erosion, and swelling. The therapeutic effect is likely due to the simultaneous inhibition of NF-kappa B by 9AA and the suppression of HIF-1 alpha by NR4A1 activation. This combined treatment significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of 9AA-NMs and reduces the severity of inflammatory arthritis.
Article
Orthopedics
L. A. Seewald, I. G. Sabino, K. L. Montney, M. L. Delco
Summary: This study evaluated the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from injured chondrocytes and investigated the utility of synovial fluid mtDNA concentration in early detection of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Results showed that chondrocytes released mtDNA following inflammatory and mechanical stress, and mtDNA concentration in synovial fluid increased in cases of joint injury. There was a strong positive correlation between cartilage damage and mtDNA concentration in naturally occurring posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Mitoprotective treatment mitigated impact-induced mtDNA release. Further research on mtDNA as a sensitive marker for early articular injury and response to mitoprotective therapy is warranted.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
A. Ruiz, A. Duarte, D. Bravo, E. Ramos Gavila, C. Zhang, M. K. Cowman, T. Kirsch, M. Milne, L. G. Luyt, J. G. Raya
Summary: This study developed and validated imaging probes based on a hyaluronan-binding peptide for imaging inflammatory signaling in PTOA. The results demonstrated the potential of these probes to effectively visualize inflammatory response in vivo and correlate with histologic severity in cartilage and meniscus.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
Tristan Maerz, Michael D. Newton, Mackenzie Fleischer, Samantha E. Hartner, Karissa Gawronski, Lucas Junginger, Kevin C. Baker
Summary: The study found acute catabolic bone remodeling following ACL rupture, with thinning of subchondral bone in the medial femoral condyle and gains in the lateral femoral condyle. NIR imaging demonstrated immediate and sustained reduction of bone anabolism, with a significant increase in bone catabolism at 14 days.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Liangbin Zhou, Peng Guo, Matteo D'Este, Wenxue Tong, Jiankun Xu, Hao Yao, Martin J. Stoddart, Gerjo J. V. M. van Osch, Kevin Ki-Wai Ho, Zhen Li, Ling Qin
Summary: Articular cartilage (AC) is a flexible connective tissue located on the bone surface in the joints. AC defects are common in physically active individuals. Functionalized hydrogels have emerged as promising substitutes for damaged cartilage in AC repair due to their favorable properties. This article introduces the composition, structure, and function of AC and its defects, and reviews the design and fabrication of functionalized hydrogels for AC repair.
Article
Orthopedics
Alexa K. Pius, Bruce D. Beynnon, Niccolo Fiorentino, Mack Gardner-Morse, Pamela M. Vacek, Mike DeSarno, Mat Failla, James R. Slauterbeck, Daniel R. Sturnick, Erin C. Argentieri, Timothy W. Tourville
Summary: Anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction can affect cartilage thickness profiles in the knee, with differences observed between males and females in terms of the locations and magnitudes of changes. Changes in cartilage thickness may indicate early signs of posttraumatic osteoarthritis.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Enqi Chen, Wenjing Hou, Hu Wang, Jing Li, Yangjing Lin, He Liu, Mingshan Du, Lian Li, Xianqi Wang, Jing Yang, Rui Yang, Changru Zhou, Pinzhen Chen, Meng Zeng, Qiandong Yao, Wei Chen
Summary: This study quantitatively assessed the alterations in articular cartilage volume, thickness, and T2 values in patients with meniscus tears. The results showed that the T2 values of the articular cartilage in all subregions of the femur and tibia were significantly higher in the meniscus tear group compared to the healthy control group. The cartilage thickness of certain knee regions was also slightly higher in the meniscus tear group. Quantitative T2 values enable early and sensitive detection of early cartilage lesions.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chaosheng Lin, Zhenhan Deng, Jianyi Xiong, Wei Lu, Kang Chen, Yizi Zheng, Weimin Zhu
Summary: Articular cartilage lesion is a common disease that can lead to osteoarthritis if not properly managed. Both mechanical debridement and laser have been used clinically, but radiofrequency has gained attention due to its advantages. However, the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency have been questioned. This article reviews the development history and mechanism of radiofrequency, and summarizes the methods to ensure its safety and effectiveness through power and temperature control.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
K. S. M. Reed, V. Ulici, C. Kim, S. Chubinskaya, R. F. Loeser, D. H. Phanstiel
Summary: Treatment of normal human articular chondrocytes with fibronectin fragments can recapitulate key aspects of the osteoarthritis chondrocyte phenotype, showing promising potential for future osteoarthritis studies, especially considering its compatibility with genomics and genome-editing techniques.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Wei Xia, Yao Zhang, Chanyuan Liu, Yu Guo, Yonglong He, Jianbo Shao, Jun Ran
Summary: The purpose of this study was to analyze the microstructure changes of knee cartilage in Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients with active synovitis using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping technique. The results showed that the T2 mean values of the superficial and deep zone of cartilage for active synovitis group were significantly higher than those for non-synovitis group, suggesting that T2 values may reflect cartilage microstructure differences that occur in JIA. T2 mapping as an objective and quantitative method may allow for early detection of cartilage changes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Amir Masoud Afsahi, Sam Sedaghat, Dina Moazamian, Ghazaleh Afsahi, Jiyo S. Athertya, Hyungseok Jang, Ya-Jun Ma
Summary: This article reviews the applications of ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI techniques for cartilage assessment in the human knee joint. These techniques allow comprehensive evaluation of all cartilage layers, especially the short T-2 layers. The contrast mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of different techniques are discussed.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yanxi Liu, Karan M. Shah, Jian Luo
Summary: Articular cartilage is avascular and has limited ability to repair itself, leading to degenerative joint diseases. Current clinical treatments often result in mechanically inferior cartilage. Understanding factors affecting cartilage homeostasis and exploring emerging regenerative approaches are crucial for future treatment options.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carlota Salgado, Olivier Jordan, Eric Allemann
Summary: OA in vitro models play a crucial role in the development of IA formulation, offering insights into molecular pathways, drug interactions, cytotoxicity assessments, and in vivo predictions. However, improvements are needed in understanding the intricacies of cellular models for a more accurate representation of in vivo conditions in 2D and 3D contexts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johanna A. Huhtakangas, Jere Huovinen, Sakari Laaksonen, Hanna-Marja Voipio, Olli Vuolteenaho, Mikko A. J. Finnila, Jerome Thevenot, Petri P. Lehenkari
Summary: This preliminary study suggests that calcipotriol may have an early disease-modifying effect in the rat ZIA model, reducing histological grade of synovitis a week after local injection, while dexamethasone did not show significant difference from the vehicle.
Article
Cell Biology
Serafina G. Lopez, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This article focuses on the roles of proteoglycans in fibrocartilage and their importance in collagen fibrillogenesis and extracellular matrix assembly. The expression levels of proteoglycans change throughout development, aging, and degeneration, with different proteoglycans playing crucial roles in tissue structure and mechanical function. The distribution of proteoglycans in fibrocartilaginous tissues reflects the unique relationship between structure and function, which is essential for the success of these tissues and may inform future research on fibrocartilage replacement using tissue engineered constructs.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Leigh Slyker, Nicole Diamantides, Jongkil Kim, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This study investigates the compositional, mechanical, and structural differences between collagen gels sourced from different origins and processed using different methods. It was found that gel mechanics and gelation kinetics varied significantly depending on the collagen source and processing method, with differences correlating with variations in composition. Results showed that telopeptide-containing collagens had higher storage modulus and faster gelation compared to atelocollagens, despite lower purity levels.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pancy Lwin, Andrew Sindermann, Leo Sutter, Thomas Wyse Jackson, Lawrence Bonassar, Itai Cohen, Moumita Das
Summary: The study reveals that in a double network model, when the primary network is close to its rigidity percolation threshold, stress relaxation and mechanical reinforcement can be achieved by tuning the density of the secondary network; while when the primary network is far above its rigidity threshold, the double network will always remain stiff and brittle.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sertac Kirnaz, Sunidhi Singh, Charisse Capadona, Marianne Lintz, Jacob L. Goldberg, Lynn B. McGrath, Branden Medary, Fabian Sommer, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Roger Hartl
Summary: Low back pain is often associated with degenerative disc disease, and biological treatment approaches like cell injections have shown promising results. However, challenges such as managing disc cells and the microenvironment of intervertebral discs need to be overcome for long-term safety and efficacy.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Wyse Jackson, Jonathan Michel, Pancy Lwin, Lisa A. Fortier, Moumita Das, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Itai Cohen
Summary: This study presents experiments and theory that explain the structural origins of the shear properties of articular cartilage through the mechanical interdependence of collagen and aggrecan networks in its extracellular matrix. The study also highlights the importance of slight changes in collagen and aggrecan concentrations near the cartilage surface, which can significantly weaken its modulus and potentially lead to tissue collapse.
Article
Orthopedics
Marianne Lintz, Remy E. Walk, Simon Y. Tang, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: Diabetes has been found to impact the biochemical composition, collagen fiber architecture, and mechanical behavior of intervertebral discs. Diabetic discs showed increased glycosaminoglycan and collagen content, as well as disorganized and unaligned collagen fibers at the boundary between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. These changes made the diabetic discs stiffer and more resistant to deformation compared to wild-type discs. The findings suggest that diabetes may predispose individuals to degenerative disc disease later in life.
Article
Orthopedics
Karan Vishwanath, Scott R. McClure, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This study characterized the lubricating ability of pAAm hydrogel and revealed its effectiveness in lubricating both native and degraded cartilage explants, suggesting an affinity for the articulating surface of the cartilage.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jongkil Kim, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: This study demonstrates the profound effects of gelation pH on cellular activity, collagen fibril structure, and mechanical properties of collagen gels. Acidic and basic gelation pH resulted in cell death, while neutral pH showed a relatively high cell viability. Physiologic gelation pH displayed the greatest collagen deposition, and collagen fibril structure was affected by gelation pH. The gelation pH also influenced the equilibrium modulus of the gels.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jingyang Zheng, Thomas Wyse Jackson, Lisa A. Fortier, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Michelle L. Delco, Itai Cohen
Summary: Cellular response to stimulation plays a crucial role in tissue processes, and understanding how cells coordinate their response is essential. Researchers have developed a tool called STRAINS that combines fluorescent micrographs, cell tracking, and machine learning to measure the spatiotemporal distribution of cell behaviors in tissue. They used STRAINS to analyze the mechanotransduction response of chondrocytes in cartilage after mechanical injury, revealing distinct biochemical pathways and spatial patterns of cellular response.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Serafina G. Lopez, Jongkil Kim, Lara A. Estroff, Lawrence J. Bonassar
Summary: In this study, the researchers removed proteoglycans (GAGs) from collagen gel-based tissue engineered constructs using chondroitinase ABC (cABC) and found that it improved collagen fiber alignment and mechanical properties without compromising compressive strength. The increased fiber organization also appeared to prevent the propagation of large defects under loading. This study provides a new method of modulating the extracellular matrix for improved collagen fiber formation and mechanical properties in tissue engineered constructs.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Jonathan Michel, Gabriel Von Kessel, Thomas Wyse Jackson, Lawrence J. Bonassar, Itai Cohen, Moumita Das
Summary: Previous studies have focused on spatially homogeneous variation in concentration while ignoring structural correlation. This study introduces a model in which dilute fiber networks are built in a correlated manner, enabling tissues to attain rigidity with less material. The study also finds that the percolation threshold varies nonmonotonically with the degree of correlation.
PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
B. Kim, I. Cohen, L. Bonassar
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
S. G. Lopez, L. J. Bonassar
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
A. A. Matavosian, J. Matthews, L. J. Bonassar
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
L. Slyker, L. J. Bonassar
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)